"Midweek and Thinking About Friendship, Pt 2" Pastor Cindy's Devotion 04/21/2021

 

Good morning--

"I have called you friends.”  Those are Jesus’ words.  Here at wdmumc, we are exploring friendship and it has been fun. 

A couple of questions for you today.

Question #1:  What do you look for in a friend? 

Honesty.  Integrity.  Commitment.  Kindness.  Compassion.  

All that, and I like friends who are engaged in life, who like to learn and explore, who enjoy people, and are ready to have an adventure living out their faith.  I like friends who help me see the world in new ways. 

And I like friends who can see the humor in life and laugh more than they whine.  I like friends who forgive themselves and others.  I like friends who understand that sometimes life just is and you have to roll with it.  

I like friends who like ice cream and appreciate a good cookie.   

Question #2:  (a bit harder)  What kind of friend am I?  (That prompts more questions.) 

I look at all those qualities above and I have to ask, do I live those qualities in my friendships? 

Have I been a good friend?  Friendship has two sides, receiving and giving.  

(Groan.)  That takes some soul-searching. 

Can you remember a moment when you were a really good friend?  Can you relive that moment? Just relish it and enjoy it all over again?  

Make a list of what you like in a friend.  Do you live those qualities?  Are there some you would like to strengthen?  

Might be a good day to talk this all over in prayer. We have a friend in Christ who will listen.  

Blessings,

Pastor Cindy

Pastor Cindy Hickman

West Des Moines United Methodist Church
720 Grand Ave
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
515-279-0826

Like us on Facebook or visit us at wdmumc.org. 

We worship

In-person at 8:30 Sunday mornings—early enough for you to get to the golf course or soccer game before noon!  Please mask and social distance! 

And online at 9:30.  Worship in the way that is right for you!

A Thought on This Morning

Yesterday Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the death of George Floyd.  I, like so many of you, have followed this story.  One man is dead.  Another will go to prison.  Our court system has done its justice work.  Our country has a history of division concerning race.  Today we are sorting through all that, working to be a land of freedom and equality.  Today I want to hold this all in prayer, seek God’s guidance as to how we have come to this tragic moment, and how we live out of it.  Jesus, lead us.

Memorial Service for Roy Messerschmidt

Roy Messerschmidt died on November 16, 2020.  Due to the pandemic, his memorial service was postponed.  It will be held this Friday.  This is a private service for immediate family only. Roy was an impressive person.  He loved this community, and he loved our church.  He had been a member of the church for 60 years.  He served in many leadership roles. He participated in the State Fair Stand and the Men’s Choir.  He was one of the original cast members of the Last Supper Drama.  Please hold Jan and their family in prayer as they honor Roy on Friday.

All Church Picnic!  Raccoon River Park May 12 at 5:30.  Mark your calendars!